Yep... buy an '06/07 or newer. Many new upgrades in motor, brakes, ignition, and more. Gear up's look cool but do you need two wheel drive? If it's not mud and rock climbing the single wheel drive is fine. That being said, Gear Up's and Patrols are fun.

Try to get a good history of the bike if you can. Ural owners are a unique bunch and love to tell stories about the rig. If the seller doesn't have much to say it could be a red flag believe it or not (my opinion).

They are very fun to drive and I do miss my '02 Tourist. Get practice in a parking lot before hitting the road as it is waaaay different than a two wheel bike. If you have access to a sidecar class that would be an excellent idea as well.

Easy to work on, fun to maintain as well. If you don't like turning wrenches and being an 'active' owner than a Ural may not be for you. If you enjoy checking and double checking every nut and bolt than it's for you. Urals ARE reliable now but, as an owner, you still have to have the love of tinkering.

I have a 2006 Gear Up.
It would be okay as a daily commuter, as long as you're not talking Interstate Highways. These bikes aren't speed deamons, and you'll have problems keeping up with the normal traffic speeds of 65+ on limited access highways.
I have no hesitation in putting alot of miles (couple hundred) on the bike in a day. Spent a few 8-10 hours days at 50mph without issues.
I wouldn't have it as my only bike, but it's a great second bike. Everyone loves it. You're a nice guy all of a sudden when your bike has a sidecar.
Would I buy one again, yes.
Couple problems so far, the final drive had to be replaced at about 25k, and it's in the shop now for nelectrical issues.

I heard all the bad CRAP people said about URAL , but got one anyway
When i got my URAL and went touring ,I carried a bunch of spare parts .
The more miles i drove the less parts i would pack with me.
After 20,000kms i stoped worrying about it breaking.

Here is a great site that shows all the upgrades by year....click on the 2010 HERE at the top for the newest models. It made up my mind. I am going for the 2010 as soon as I have the money. My only problem is that I am still struggling with one or two wheel drive.

what failed on your final drive and what sort of electrical issues are you dealing with?

The usual FD problem is a broken ring gear bolt, like with BMW FD's, it isn't a ticking time bomb, but it happens more than it should.

The usual electrical problems are the signal flasher, foot brake light switch, and bad light socket connections.
The ignition system is built by Ducati, and the alternator is a automotive Nippon-Denso, and rarely fail.

The flasher is a standard Tridon made in the USA unit, it gets water in it and fails, sealing the seam with electrical tape solves that.
The brake light switch is just a cheap part, I replaced it twice, the 3rd has been fine for 2 years now.
The tail light sockets need to be adjusted so contacts are secure and put pressure on bulb, plus contact grease helps. Most often it isn't a problem if the dealer checks them before delivery.

__________________
"Take care, sir," cried Sancho. "Those over there are not giants but windmills".